Farmers in Usaylan district, Shabwa governorate, have regained access to their farmlands and resumed agricultural activities after years of conflict and landmine contamination, thanks to the clearance efforts of Project Masam.
Shabwah was heavily mined because of its strategic location and shifting frontlines during the Yemen conflict. The governorate lies between key supply routes linking Marib, Abyan, and the southern coast, making it a critical area for controlling movement of fighters and supplies. As Houthi forces advanced into districts such as Usaylan, Bayhan, and Ain, they planted landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to slow government forces and local resistance. When control of these areas changed, many of these explosive devices were left behind, contaminating farmland, roads, and villages and posing an ongoing threat to civilians.
Farmer Naji Mohsen Abd Rabbu Al-Zubar from the village of Al-Huwaila described the community’s experience in an interview with Project Masam’s media office.
“We suffered from the war for four years, during which we were displaced with our families and forced to abandon our homes and lands. When we returned, we faced another disaster: the danger of mines. We lost our livestock, and three people from our village were killed. A resident from the neighbouring village of Al-Sahra was also injured in a mine explosion, which led to the amputation of his leg.”
He explained that floods carried large numbers of mines into farms and water sources, making repeated interventions by Project Masam teams essential to secure the area.
Project Masam’s work has been vital in restoring safety and normal life to the district, Al-Zubar added.
“We grow onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and other crops. Life has returned to the way it was before, and we thank God for that.”
He added that most residents of Usaylan depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods and described Project Masam’s efforts to clear farms and villages as a lifeline after years of displacement and suffering.
Project Masam continues to operate across Yemeni governorates to remove landmines and other remnants of war, aiming to protect civilians and help them return to their land and daily lives in safety.
